Station # 1

Observe a Rock

(Grades 2 & 3)

Each member of the group should:

  1. Choose a rock from the tray to observe. Use sense of sight and touch to identify its properties. Record observations in your notebook.
  2. Look at your rock observations and decide what makes your rock “special” from the other rocks using your sense of touch.
  3. Everyoneputs his/her rock in the paper bag.
  4. Take turns placing one hand in the bag with eyes closed to search for “your” rock. After checking if you found your own rock return it to the bag for the next person’s turn.
  5. Did you find “your” rock? If yes, explain how you knew or if no, what property(s) did you miss in your notebook. (You can get your rock from out of the bag.)

Station # 2

Classify Rocks

(Grades 2 - 5)

Each member of the group should:

  1. Use your senses of sight and touch to observe the properties of the rocks. List properties observed on the Rock Groups chart. Place the rocks under one of the categories that itfits in.
  2. Work together to pick two different properties. (Ex. Rough and Small or Flat and Shiny) and record the two property choices on a Venn diagram.
  3. Sort (classify) your rocks. You will not use all rocks.
  4. Make a record in your notebook to explain how you classified.
  5. Change your two properties on the Venn.
  6. Sort again.
  7. Make a record to explain how you classified.

Station # 3

Measure a Rock’s Length

Each member of the group should:

  1. Choose a rock from the tray.
  2. Use a ruler to measure its longest length in centimeters. (Gr. 5 – Use decimals for an exact length.)
  3. Record your rock’s length in your notebook.
  4. After everyone has measured their rocks, put them in order from shortest to longest. Record results.
  5. What is the difference between the shortest and the longest rock? Record.
  6. What senses and tools did you use to measure and compare the rocks’ length?

Station # 4

Weigh a Rock

Each member of the group should:

  1. Choose a rock from the tray to weigh.
  2. Place the rock on one side of a balance.
  3. Place the gram cubes on the other side to make the balance even.
  4. Count the gram cubes.
  5. Record what the rock weighs (mass) in your notebook.
  6. After everyone has weighed their rocks, put them in order from lightest to heaviest. Record results.
  7. What is the difference in mass between the lightest and the heaviest rock? Record.
  8. What rock properties of the two rocks could explain why there is a difference in mass between them?

Station # 5

Measure a Rock’s Volume

(Grades 4 &5)

.

  1. Pour water into a graduated cylinder to the ______mark.

(Choose 30 mL for a 50 mL graduated cylinder and 60 mL for a 100 mL graduated cylinder.)

  1. Record the beginning water level in your notebook.
  2. Slowly drop a rock into the water in the graduated cylinder.
  3. Record the new water level.
  4. Subtract the beginning water level from the new level.
  5. The difference is the volume of the rock.
  6. Record the volume of your rock.
  7. Order the rocks from smallest to largest volume and record.
  8. What was the difference in volume?
  9. Did any of the rocks have the same volume? If yes, what else was alike about them?

If no, explain another way the rocks were alike.

Station # 6

Bubbles and Fizz

(Grades 4 & 5)

Scientists test for chemical changes in rocks to identify what type of mineral is in the rock. You will test for the carbonate mineral calcite found in the sedimentary rock limestone and the metamorphic rock marble. Calcite will react to the acid in the vinegar.

Part A

  1. Put a piece of calcite in the small cup.
  2. Measure and pour 10 mL of vinegar on the calcite.
  3. Record observations. (Don’t forget to use your sense of hearing, too.)
  4. How did the calcite react to the vinegar?

*Check your observations:Carbonate minerals will react to the acid in the vinegarby bubbling and fizzing because CO2is given off as the calcium carbonatereacts to the acid and dissolves.

Part B

  1. Put a rock in the small cup.
  2. Measure and pour 10 mL of vinegar on the rock in the cup. Observe.
  3. Record rock number and observations. Repeat steps 1. – 3. for all rocks.
  4. Write what you learned. Which rock numberstested contained calcite? How do you know? What type of rocks could they be?